Port Houston, Police Cadet

At Port Houston we dream big, think big and do big things. For over 100 years, we’ve had the vision and scale to deliver big things that matter to Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success has been built upon attracting, retaining, and developing exceptional people. Are you ready to think about the future…and think big! Enabling our people to unleash their full potential is central to ‘We are READY!’, our vision, mission, and strategic priorities.

Position Summary

Under close supervision, participates in assigned training and formal academic programs of instruction designed to qualify the incumbent for certification as a Texas Police Officer.

Key Responsibilities/Duties

• Attends Police Academy classes and other formal police training programs established to qualify the incumbent for State of Texas TCOLE Certification and promotion to Police Officer.
• Trains and participates in the operation of two-way radios, and other communications equipment used in receiving and transmitting messages, and dispatching Police personnel and equipment to emergency scenes.
• Develops knowledge and proficiency in the interpretation of Federal, State and Local laws and ordinances, and Police Department policies and regulations.
• Develops skill and proficiency in the use and care of firearms.
• Assists the Property and Evidence Coordinator.
• Assists police personnel in a training capacity to include patrolling assigned area by car, or on foot to prevent crime or disturbance of peace, and to maintain and uphold the law according to statute, ordinance, etc.
• Assists police personnel in a training capacity in police investigations, gathers, and preserves evidence, takes fingerprints, and completes related reports.
• Must be willing to perform the duties of a police officer as outlined in the Port Houston Police Officer Job Description upon successful completion of the police academy.
• Other related duties may be assigned.
  
  

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

Must meet departmental requirements to include an application for employment and all the steps in the application process. At the time of application, must meet the following qualifications:

• Must be at least 20.5 years of age.
• Must be a current U.S. citizen.
• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent
• Have a valid and current Texas Drivers' license.
• Fingerprinted and is subjected to a search of local, state and U.S. national records and fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
• Has never been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order.
• Is not currently charged with any criminal offense for which conviction would be a bar to licensure.
• Has never been convicted of an offense above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years.
• Has never been convicted or placed on community supervision in any court of an offense involving family violence as defined under Chapter 71, Texas Family Code.
• Is not prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle.
• Is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
• Examined by a physician, selected by the Port Houston. The appointee must be declared by that physician to be:
• Physically sound and free from any defect which may adversely affect
  
  

the performance of duty appropriate to the type of license sought.

• Show no trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use after a blood test or other medical test.
• Examined by a psychologist, selected by the Port Houston. The appointee must be declared by that psychologist, to be in satisfactory psychological and emotional health to serve as a Texas Police Officer.
• Has never received a dishonorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Behaviors

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of criminal law, investigation, statutes, ordinances, and crime prevention methods.
• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations and FCC rules and regulations regarding radio communication.
• Knowledge of good safety practices in the care and use of firearms.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in operating motorized vehicles.
• Skill in operation of two-way radio equipment.
• Ability to apply knowledge of criminal law, investigation, and crime prevention techniques.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to administer first aid and CPR.
• Ability to operate vehicle under emergency conditions.
• Ability to write legibly and to read.
• Ability to maintain physical endurance and agility standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with port employees and the public.
  
  

Career Progression

Essential Duties and Functions of Specific Programs/Activities:

Upon completion and graduation from the Police Academy and successfully passing

the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Licensing Examination, a Police Cadet is certified as a police officer.

Key Competencies Required

• Flexible and Adaptive
• Customer Focus
• Ethics and Values
• Composure Under Stress
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills
• Attention to Detail
  
  

Working Conditions

Work Environment

Seldom or Never

Sometimes

Frequently or Often

Office or similar indoor environment

X

Outdoor environment

X

Heavy equipment environment (near moving vehicles)

X

Construction site

X

Confined space

X

Warehouse environment

X

Shop environment

X

Emergency Response situation

X

Exposures

Seldom or Never

Sometimes

Frequently or Often

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

X

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

X

Moving mechanical parts

X

Fumes or airborne particles

X

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances waste

X

Loud noises (85 decibels)

X

Physical Demands

Medium Work – Exerts up to 60 pounds of force occasionally, up to 40 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects. The nature of police work is such that all types of body positions are assumed to varying degrees. The cadet may be required to assume positions of kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, or twisting. The cadet is required to have the ability to walk/run varying distances occasionally on all types of surfaces and terrain. The cadet is required to have the ability to push/pull/reach people, property, or objects as well as restrain resisting/combative suspects. In addition, the cadet is required to have the ability to climb stairs/ladders/fences or jump over obstacles as well as stand or sit for long periods of time. The cadet must have the ability to drive a patrol vehicle as well as the ability to effectively see, hear and talk.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.

Make What You Do Matter

At Port Houston we dream big, think big and do big things. When you take the first step with the Port Houston, you’ve taken the first step in the right direction in your new career path. Are you READY!

We believe in making big things possible. Port Houston is looking for people who are willing to think about the future...and think big. We're looking for people who are ready to take on the most significant challenges of their careers. Thank you for choosing Port Houston in your career search.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This position is designated as “Safety-Sensitive”. All employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random drug/alcohol testing.